What would you do?

[Blessed_wth_Triplets]

So we reluctantly booked the bounceback offer for next year...although I don't know if we'll be able to go. I kept saying this was the last year/first year we could go in Sept. because once they start kindergarten next year there's no way I would pull them out! Well..now I'm thinking maybe

So, my question is...which week would be better for them to miss...the very first week of school...or the 4th week of school at the end of the month? Anyone with experience know?? thanks...

 

[belle&beast]

My DD started kindergarten this year and we are pulling her out in December to go to WDW. I would not pull them to miss the first week- there is too much routine to learn. I don't know what your kids are used to doing, but my DD is in full day K and she was not used to getting up early every day and working at school all day. She is finally getting into routine and we are about 6 weeks into the year. I don't know much about the bounce back. Can you go any later?

 

[daisyduck123]

Hi! 1st grade teacher here....definitely go for the 4th week of school, rather than the 1st. And I wouldn't feel bad about them missing school. I'm sorry, but it's only Kindergarten.

Everything they'll be taught that week will be repeated over & over thruout the year. That's the beauty of the primary grades...we never touch on a subject (important one anyway) once & then "forget about it". It takes a lot of repitition for some of them to catch on, so we are constantly reviewing.

One of my first graders just left today for Europe..he'll be gone 10 days.

**Btw, my own DD12 & DS9 miss a lot of school for WDW trips every year.
By "a lot", I mean last year they each missed 6 days...the year before that they each missed 11.

Have a great time!!

 

[Pixiedust34]

I wouldn't pull kids out during the first few weeks of school. Kids are busy getting used to a new teacher, making new friends, and learning new school routines during that time. I would think that waiting at least a few weeks after school starts would be a better time to miss than the first week (or 2) of school.

 

[Caitsmama]

For grade K, i would say the 4th week.

However, my dd will miss the second week of school next year (2nd grade) due to the Disney cruise.. (hey, it's a double dip and we are staying conciege with my inlaws.. would you pass that up?!) LOL

BTW-- pixiedust, that is a great shot of your kids!!

 

[kacaju]

I booked also, and like you I am unsure we'd be able to go. The last two years our school started a week late due to a 3 year construction project. Well, this summer it should be done so I am hoping they may be a little behind and start school late again!
If not I will not have my kids miss the first days of school, so I am already thinking maybe I could go late in Sept because the Jewish Holiday is late in Sept next year. We are always off two days, so I thought i could squeeze a long weekend in!!

 

[dvcnewgirl]

My daughter will be missing her 1st week of Kindergarten, to go on the 5 night DD Disney cruise. I feel bad but our whole family is going and I can't miss it. I would rather her miss the 4th week.

 

[ndgqccmiller]

Here the first week of K is phase in week. The kids only go one day and meet the teacher and only half the kids from the class. They only go a half a day. They do this so the kids won't get overwelmed. I don't know if your school system does this but you could find out and then if she is only going to miss one day I would let her miss the first week. If not then I would do the fourth week.

 

[Blessed_wth_Triplets]

Does anyone know the exact dates of the Jewish Holiday next September??...we were there for the holiday this Sept. and I think that attributed to the higher crowds..thanks..and thanks for all the great advice!

 

[aprincess'smommy]

Hi there! I was a second grade teacher before DH and I had our DD3 . Definitely make it the fourth week. That way they don't miss the all important routine! Our first trip since we had DD is coming up soon, and we are planning on making that week "Disney Week" every year. I feel like the educational impact that Disney makes on a child is unbeatable. So don't feel bad about taking them out either. Have a great time

 

[tooh8ful]

I booked bounceback as well and I chose the last weekish of September; 1) I'm hoping it will be cooler than it was this year and 2) my DD will start Kindergarden next fall and although I'm not particularly worried about taking her out for a week, I didn't want her to miss any time right away.
I can say after seeing the difference in the crowds from what I remember summers being when I was a kid, and the crowd level this September, I will ALWAYS being taking my kids out of school for WDW trips until maybe middle school, and I have a LOOOOOONG time before I have to worry about that!

 

[Jen414]

Does anyone know the exact dates of the Jewish Holiday next September??...we were there for the holiday this Sept. and I think that attributed to the higher crowds..thanks..and thanks for all the great advice!

Fifth grade teacher here--I vote for the 4th week of school. In elementary school, the first week is a lot of "touchy feely" stuff--class bonding, getting to know you, and all that stuff. It's also the time to establish routines. I know for grade 5, if you come even 2 days late, it's like you're the new kid and everything is in full swing. I'm sure it takes much longer than that for K, but I still vote for going later rather than earlier.

Thursday October 9 is a Jewish holiday next fall. Monday, October 13 is Columbus Day. My school district is already considering not having school on Friday, October 10. Too many families will simply make an extra long weekend out of it so absenteeism will be high which affects AYP (annual yearly progress) which is part of NCLB (No Child Left Behind). It will either be a day off for everyone or a professional development day for teachers. Either way, kids will be off.

 

[momofbgtwins]

My twins are in K this year. You may want to find out what your school's policy is regarding absenteeism. We were going to take the twins to Orlando Jan 21-25, 2008, which would have been 4 days out of school (Jan 21 is MLK day). Our school's policy is no more than 4 days a month unexcused absence, or considered truancy, and may affect their grades. I KNOW it's only kindergarten, but I spoke with their teacher, and she was not at all in favor of taking kids out of school for vacations.

It surprises me to see so many teachers on this board who say, "Go Go Go" (because they take their kids out of school, too).

 

[dvcnewgirl]

My twins are in K this year. You may want to find out what your school's policy is regarding absenteeism. We were going to take the twins to Orlando Jan 21-25, 2008, which would have been 4 days out of school (Jan 21 is MLK day). Our school's policy is no more than 4 days a month unexcused absence, or considered truancy, and may affect their grades. I KNOW it's only kindergarten, but I spoke with their teacher, and she was not at all in favor of taking kids out of school for vacations.

It surprises me to see so many teachers on this board who say, "Go Go Go" (because they take their kids out of school, too).

I am a former teacher and plan on returning when my children are older. I think it is ridiculous how they are making parents bad for taking kids out and having family time. IMHO I think that is more important than a week in kindergarten. The reason the teacher is probably not supportive is NCLB and they are getting told by the principals to be that way. Good Luck, Are you canceling your trip??